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Top 10 tools for Canadian activists

This year the Activist Toolkit has increased its beta testers, launched a blog and posted new tools at an alarming rate. There's always work to be done, but we've come a long way so far. Look for our podcast in the new year! This countdown will list the most important tools for burgeoning activists, from Canadian activist history to guides that will shape your campaigns. Starting with...

10. We Demand. This historic protest for queer rights was the first of its size in Canada and set off a series of legislation changes and challenges to homophobia. Activists today can learn a lot from looking back at the successes and missteps of the protest.

9. The history of institutionalization in Canada. The disability rights movement started when people with physical and mental disabilities began organizing in institutions. With their basic human rights stripped, people with disabilities banded together to fight for meaningful inclusion and de-institutionalization. Some institutions for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities still exist today.

8. Attawapiskat. Part of the ongoing history of colonialism and oppression of indigenous people in Canada is the state of reservations across the country. Neglected, underfunded and met with racism from the Harper government, Attawapiskat is one example of many reservations that have announced states of emergency.

7. How to master Twitter. When it comes to organizing, communicating with mainstream media, creating a message or amassing support, Twitter is an essential tool for any activist. This guide covers how to use Twitter for good rather than tweeting what you had for breakfast.

6. Anti-racist workshop for white activists. Creating an anti-racist, anti-oppression framework in your campaign is one of the most important things you can do. Through this awesome workshop you'll learn how to add your grassroots organizing to the social justice movement, in its ideology and practices.

5. Direct action workshop. Once you're schooled on Canadian activist history and get a sense of how to get folks together, get ready to figure out your next action with this excellent workshop. Heading out and effecting change in the world is no easy feat. This primer will get you and your comrades started.

4. How to interact with police. Situations can quickly get heated. When the police show up at your protest, this guide will make sure you know your rights.

3. How to do self-care. Too many activists forget to take care of themselves as a way to keep their movement sustainable. Protesting, organizing workshops, creating websites, banners, artwork, collectives... taking on too much can wear you out. This guide details how to avoid activist burnout and how to incorporate self-care into your campaign.

2. How to live through solidarity activism. The only way we can all create a better world is by working together. Solidarity is such a powerful tool and changes all aspects of your everyday life. From calling out oppressive language to collaborating with other groups, this tool has a huge impact on the success of your movement. This guide gives a basic overview of the many components of living in solidarity.

**Drum roll**

1. How to make decisions through consensus. Whenever you organize in a group, however small or however large, understanding, executing and maintaining a consensus decision-making process is so important. It creates an environment where everyone can speak, be heard and ultimately feel validated. From its success this year in Occupy camps around the world, it's been shown to be effective. This guide covers how to go about it and basic tenets of making choices as a collective.

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